On the crystallization kinetics of In additive Se–Te chalcogenide glasses

The calorimetric parameters of glassy Se85−xTe15Inx (x = 0, 2, 6 and 10) alloys have been investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) in non-isothermal conditions at different heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C/min. It is observed that in these glasses, the glass transition temperature, the onset crystallization temperature and the peak temperature of crystallization are found to be dependent on the composition and heating rates. The glass transition activation energy and crystallization activation energy have been determined using different empirical approaches. The kinetic analysis of the crystallization peak has been performed using Matusitaʹs model. The values of Avrami exponent (n) and activation energy of crystallization (Ec) are evaluated. The validity of Matusitaʹs model is ascertained by comparison with the results obtained by Kissinger model and Augis and Banett method as well as their approximations. The activation energy of crystallization is determined by analyzing the data using the isoconversional methods. The present study shows that the activation energy of crystallization varies with the degree of conversion and hence with temperature. Thermal stability and glass forming tendency have also been studied for different heating rates.